Shuffleboard Courts Go On Trial Monday

The park covers a tree-filled city block. Although it has a tennis court, the park's focal point for years has been the shuffleboard courts.

Some downtown merchants say the courts are an eyesore. Other people say they enhance the village.

Both sides will have a chance Monday to say whether the courts should be relocated. The Mount Dora Park Commission has scheduled a public meeting to discuss the park's future.

Last month, businessman Ed Roy, who owns the Highlander Resort and several other downtown properties, said the downtown beautification committee was drafting an ordinance that called for removing the shuffleboard courts.

He also said the committee was trying to get 500 registered voters to sign a petition saying they opposed having the courts downtown.

Last week, Roy presented to the Village Merchants Association an architectural drawing of a recreation center. The center would have eight tennis courts, several shuffleboard courts, a clubhouse and nature trail.

His plans call for the facility to be on 16 acres along Donnelly Street. Roy estimates the center would cost the city $150,000.

''The shuffleboard courts are like an old Ford that needs new tires,'' he said last week. ''And we're talking about giving them a Cadillac. Would you rather have a Ford or a Cadillac?''

City Manager Dennis Finch said the city has no plans to remove the courts from Donnelly Park.

Roy did not say whether he would attend Monday's meeting. He could not be reached for comment Friday.

At Monday's meeting, Tavares architect Alex Cunningham will present a comprehensive plan outlining how Donnelly Park would look with and without shuffleboard courts.

Parks commission chairman Elouise Carmody has said she believes the majority of city residents want to keep the shuffleboard courts downtown.

The meeting is set for 4:30 p.m. in the community building next to city hall.